Week 6: From the journals of Health Club finalists

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Mon. — Beginning of Week 6 and the midway point for us. I really want to crank it up this week and score well on my “mid-term assessment.” It has nothing to do with the final points, but it’s a good measure to see where I’m at. Started off working with Brad, focusing on the lower body. We increased the weight on all exercises and decreased the number of reps. I really focused on form and could really feel the muscles we were targeting. With heavier weight, I was maxing out at 8 to 10 reps instead of the usual 12 to 15. My legs felt fatigued after, but I felt really good.

Tues. — Another 6 a.m. workout due to a work related dinner meeting tonight. I lifted heavier and with more intensity than any other workout. I finished my upper body workout within an hour and felt great all day. I really notice my energy level increasing as I didn’t tire at all throughout the day, or the dinner.

Wed. — Did my second leg workout of the week. Could feel the fatigue left over from Monday, but was able to stay consistent with weight and reps. Finished with 30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical. Felt really good after the workout. Only seeing Brad once a week for the next few weeks.

Thurs. — Had to attend meetings in Calgary so used today as my day off.

Fri. — Was excited all day about getting home from Calgary and then going to the Y for a workout. That changed around Red Deer, as all I wanted to do was get home and go out for dinner. When I arrived home, Sandra told me how active the baby has been. I felt her tummy and got a pretty good kick. It was a subtle message with a big result: I can’t afford to miss a workout. Get to the gym now because I want to keep up to our baby!

Sat. — Had a 60-minute massage with Melissa from Target Your Energy at the Don Wheaton Y downtown. This was my second massage and it felt so good. Did a 45-minute cardio workout on the elliptical right after. Saw Juli working out, the first I had seen either Juli or Sue, as we don’t work out together or see each other at all. It was really neat to talk with her and find out how she’s doing. She was working really hard and looked really good. A little more motivation for me to work harder! We’re going to get together soon (hopefully all three of us) to share stories of our first six weeks of the challenge.

Sun.— Usually my rest day, but Thursday in Calgary had been my rest day. Had my mid-term assessment and felt I was right on track to where I wanted to be. I did a light workout right after, (the assessment includes some good exercises), as Brad and I are meeting early Monday morning to add some more muscle-specific exercises, so I want to be fresh. I can’t believe it’s the end of Week 6 already. Halfway home!

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Julianne Isaac

Mon. — It’s well into February and I’ve still got both my New Year’s resolutions going — getting healthy and flossing — that must be a first. I’ve caught Sam’s cold which is a gym buzz-killer, but I’m hoping I’ll feel better after. It’s a Carla day so it’ll be interesting at least and I won’t have to watch the clock on a cardio machine with fragile motivation!

Tues. — It’s a busy baby day and I won’t be able to get to the gym until the evening … always a tough one for me. But I know I’ll feel better having done my workout.

OK, I didn’t go to the gym today, but I’m not going to feel bad about it and just make up for it this weekend. My butt could use the rest anyways.

Wed. — I’m not ready for a bikini or anything, but I am starting to notice changes to my body. A dent at the waist, some arm definition. It’s inspiring and makes me want to keep working hard at it. I also met with the dietitian yesterday evening and she was really positive about my eating habits so that was really encouraging too.

Thurs. — My butt continues to bug me and I wasn’t able to do legs last night either as I’m worried about hurting it more. Carla says I should take it easy on it so I don’t hurt it more. I had my mid-term assessment and I’m feeling great about it! The cardio test was way easier and the strength, flexibility and abs were good too. And as I quivered before the scale, I was thrilled to see I am right on track for my weight goal. It feels so good to see progress in such a measurable way. Yea!

Fri. — Another delicious supper at my parents’ last night. They have been so great helping me with Sam and then feeding me too! My dad is really trying to make me healthy meals … it is so sweet. I like it when I don’t have to completely rely on the gym for activity so I bundled Sam and I up for a walk, despite the cold. A little snow shovelling doesn’t hurt either. And then a good gym visit … feeling like a star.

Sat. — Had a great workout today with my hubby — kind brother Vinnie watched Sam. It was really nice being at the gym with Stuart. Was feeling very GI Jane … in spirit at least. I decided I’d try and do my leg workout today since I was feeling so strong. Saw Gerry at the gym and he’s looking great.

Sun.— I’m paying for my GI Jane alter-ego workout yesterday with a very sore butt. I thought I could get back to my legs yesterday and it was clearly a mistake. Picking up Sam, putting on socks is a chore. I made it to the gym, though it was one of those days where I watched every minute on the cardio machine and every crunch was an effort. But I did it and of course feel better for having gone.

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Sue Salsbury

Week six has been a struggle ...

Mon. — Yesterday I woke up with kind of a stiff neck, today it is much worse. I wonder if I did something wrong during my solo work out on Saturday. I know the pool would probably make me feel better but I can’t get myself out the door.

Tues. — My back is still bothering me, but I am hoping Rachelle can help. She does. She shows me how to work on the sore muscles with a rubber ball between my back and the wall. It really does seem to help and I think I have to go buy a rubber ball.

We didn’t do the six-week assessment as (Journal photographer) Shaughn (Butts) was there to take some pictures, but I was on the elliptical for a full 25 minutes. We did the floor exercises again and I am feeling more comfortable with them and can see the benefit.

Wed. — My back is worse and now I have a cold. I am wondering if the sore back and neck wasn’t just part of the virus. I cannot face the pool again, but at least now I understand why.

Thurs. — Today is a writeoff. My head is pounding and I stayed home from work. I hope all day I can still make my appointment with the dietitian at 5, but I can’t do that either and I have to cancel. I also didn’t make it to the gym for my Thursday workout. I don’t get sick often and I have to remind myself that it is OK to feel lousy every now and then.

Fri. — Feeling much better. Today it seems even more likely that my back pain was part of the virus. After a busy day at work, I spend a quiet evening with a good friend and plan an extra workout on Sunday to make up for time lost.

Sat. — I meet Rachelle at the Y at 2 and we do the six-week assessment. It involves 20 minutes of cardio and some floor work and by the time we are finished I am ready to go home. I still don’t quite have my normal energy level, but it is coming back. I am really looking forward to having my kitchen finished. I am getting a little tired of peanut butter!

Sun. — I am thinking I will skip the gym today even though I know I shouldn’t, when my neighbour calls and we agree to meet at the Y at 2. Thank goodness for neighbours! Today is a good day, I did a full 30 minutes on the elliptical with only one brief pause, six weeks ago I couldn’t do 3 minutes!

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